RIVERWATCH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SPRING:

LANSING--The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is
recruiting volunteers to assist DNR Conservation Officers
monitoring spring steelhead and walleye spawning runs on the
Big Manistee River near Tippy Dam.
"Riverwatch Patrols," scheduled for the last two weekends in
March and the first two weekends in April, help protect
critical spawning activity.
"Our first effort last fall to get volunteer support to
monitor the fall salmon runs was very successful, and well-
received by the public, so we are expanding the program to
help protect the spring fishery as well," said Sgt. Nick
Heary, DNR Law Enforcement Division.
The Riverwatch program allows citizen volunteers to assist
conservation officers, helping deter illegal activity at
Tippy Dam and in other parts of the state. Last fall's Tippy
Dam effort was organized to reduce illegal activities such
as snagging, improperly hooked fish and other violations.
"The Riverwatch volunteers provide a good, visible presence
on the river, especially at the Dam, where fish tend to
congregate," Heary said. "We know it deters unethical
activity."
Mandatory training sessions for those interested in
participating in the spring Riverwatch Patrol program are
scheduled for Saturday, March 2 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. and
Saturday, March 9, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at the Manistee
Regional Math and Science Center, 1070 Nursery Road,
Wellston.
Heary said the average shift is four hours, requiring many
volunteers to fill all the scheduled slots. To register for
the mandatory training, contact the DNR Operations Service
Center in Cadillac at 231-775-9727, extension 6903

Source: MDNR